MLSD Minister Praises the Constructive Partnership with the Ministry of Interior in implementing laws Enhancing Workers’ Housing to Preserve the safety of society

20-03-2021

In implementation of the directives of the Council of Ministers, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, may God protect him, to continue monitoring the implementation of laws that enhance the organisation of workers’ accommodation, the Ministry of Labour and Social Development—in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and other competent bodies—has intensified inspections to reduce occupancy density and ensure that every worker enjoys the stipulated living space. His Excellency the Minister of Labour and Social Development, Mr. Jameel bin Mohammed Ali Humaidan, praised the constructive cooperation of the Ministry of Interior, acknowledging the support of His Excellency Lieutenant‑General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, whose guidance is helping to strengthen compliance with precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID‑19. He noted that the Kingdom’s governorates play a pivotal role in detecting and rectifying violations, thereby improving conditions in workers’ residences. The Minister underscored the responsibility of employers and workers alike to follow the instructions issued by the National Medical Taskforce for Combating the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and related authorities, thereby safeguarding health and safety in both workplaces and accommodation. To that end, the competent directorate within the Ministry is continuing a large‑scale inspection campaign of housing under the Ministry’s supervision in accordance with Law No. 36 of 2012 Promulgating the Labour Law in the Private Sector. Humaidan explained that maintaining workers’ safety and health is a Ministry priority. A specialist team of occupational safety engineers and inspectors now visits accommodation blocks to verify compliance with the requirements and specifications set out in Resolution (40) of 2014. Last year, the Minister issued an administrative circular instructing private‑sector establishments to reduce room occupancy and increase the floor space allocation per worker. In accordance with Article (3) of Resolution (40) of 2014, each worker must be allocated no less than four square metres of clear space, a requirement that directly supports the official drive to ease crowding. The circular further instructs private‑sector establishments to increase the number of lavatories and other sanitary facilities available to workers both at worksites and in their accommodations. It requires employers —or their authorised representatives —to monitor compliance with these measures and impose deterrent penalties on violators. In addition, establishments must prohibit inter‑employer visits between workers’ housing units. Employers that provide accommodation are also directed to reserve separate buildings capable of housing at least ten percent of their workforce for precautionary quarantine, which is in line with Public Health Department guidelines for establishments employing more than 50 workers. Humaidan expressed appreciation for the patriotic commitment shown by employers, noting their cooperation with the Ministry and other bodies. In the Capital Governorate alone, 283 establishments have complied with the new standards, relocating more than 15,000 workers to less crowded accommodation—a measure with significant benefits for public health and national efforts to combat the pandemic. He concluded by stressing that employers—or their authorised representatives—must monitor adherence to these precautionary measures and impose deterrent penalties on violators, thereby protecting the well-being of all labour‑market participants and society at large.